France - 18th century - Officers - Flintlock - Pistol

Very nice officer’s flintlock ‘demi arçon’ pistol, late 18th century. Lovely very good quality piece: it is made of walnut and all the trims are made of steel including some which are silver-plated, the lock is in the shape of a tear drop, the jack is in the shape of a gendarme moustache and daisy. The hammer is in the shame of a swan neck with a light curl. The holding screw of the hammer is engraved, the under guard is ‘à la bourguignon’, the butt cap is ‘au soleil’, the rod is made of the original wood with a steel tip, the barrel is damascus with thick sides. There are three clearly printed reception hallmarks, illegible even with a magnifying glass. The pistol holds both notches well and the springs are tight, the butt is finely crafted. The pistol has a defect to the wood which does not spoil its beauty and the hammer screw is a bit short.